Metroid
Metroid is a 1986 action-adventure developed by Nintendo for the NES, introducing bounty hunter Samus Aran and the exploration-driven formula that would define a genre. Players venture into the labyrinthine subterranean world of planet Zebes to destroy the Mother Brain and stop the Space Pirates from weaponising the parasitic, floating Metroids, battling guardians like Kraid and Ridley along the way.
Rather than linear levels, the game offered a sprawling interconnected world where progress depended on finding power-ups such as the Morph Ball, missiles, bombs, and new beams to reach previously inaccessible areas, with no on-screen map to guide the way. Its non-linear structure, moody atmosphere, password save system, and the famous reveal that the armoured hero Samus was a woman set it apart from its contemporaries.
Metroid launched one of Nintendo's most respected franchises and helped establish the Metroidvania style of interconnected, upgrade-gated exploration. The original has been re-released on many Nintendo platforms and remains accessible through official services.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Metroid, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axiom Verge 2 Indie | € 16,79 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Linux, PlayStation, Switch |
| Environmental Station Alpha Indie | € 9,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux |
| Islets Indie | € 19,50 | Steam Deck Unsupported | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Metroid: Samus Returns | € 39,99 | Not on Steam | Switch |
| Nintendo Switch Online | € 19,99 + in-app purchases | Not on Steam | Switch |
Axiom Verge 2 Indie
€ 16,79The sequel to the great Metroid tribute, with a stranger world and new traversal tools.
Axiom Verge 2 runs on PC, Linux, PlayStation, Switch. Not available on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Xbox.
Environmental Station Alpha Indie
€ 9,99A dense indie Metroidvania with retro low-res visuals and deep secrets.
Environmental Station Alpha runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Islets Indie
€ 19,50A charming exploration platformer where you literally reassemble the world as you unlock it.
Islets runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Metroid: Samus Returns
€ 39,99A full remake of Metroid II that modernizes the early 2D formula.
Metroid: Samus Returns runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
Nintendo Switch Online
€ 19,99 + in-app purchasesThe NES original is included in the subscription's classic games app.
Nintendo Switch Online runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
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